Finland's Prime Minister to Step Down in June

Timing of Jyrki Katainen's Announcement Suggests He May Be Positioning for a Top EU Role

By

Juhana Rossi

Updated April 5, 2014 5:14 p.m. ET

HELSINKI—Finland's Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen is stepping down in a surprise move suggesting the politician known for his role in the euro-zone crisis is jockeying to contend for a top European Union leadership slot.

Mr. Katainen, 42, disclosed his decision publicly at a political meeting Saturday night, signaling an end to a decadelong tenure leading the center-right National Coalition. He will resign after his term as party...